Ian Douglass: Contemporary Artist Exploring Painting and Research-Led Inquiry

Ian Douglass is an American-born artist and writer living and working in London, United Kingdom. With a background in History and Industrial Design from The New School in New York, and an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art, Ian Douglass has developed a multifaceted practice that encompasses painting, drawing, installation, sound, and performance. His work is conceptually driven, often described as a series of material essays that investigate the collapsing of hierarchies between high and low art. Ian Douglass draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including critical research, conspiracy theories, occult arcana, and fever dreams. His recent inquiries have delved into the subgenre of velvet painting, religious iconography, and the intersections of ancient mysticism with cutting-edge technology—a concept he explores through the lens of techno-animism and psychedelic violence. In addition to his visual art, Ian Douglass hosts the Velvet Theory Podcast, an experimental platform for research and philosophical inquiry. He has participated in numerous international exhibitions and residencies, showcasing his work in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Zurich, and Yogyakarta. His portfolio reflects a deep fascination with how belief is performed and the mysteries between form and void.